What is an AED used for in a hospital setting?

An AED, or Automated External Defibrillator, is a critical medical device used in hospital settings to provide life-saving treatment to patients experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The device is designed to analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electrical shock if it detects a lethal arrhythmia, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. The rapid application of an AED can significantly increase the chances of survival by restoring a normal heart rhythm.

In a hospital environment, the use of an AED is part of the emergency response protocol for cardiac emergencies, and it allows trained personnel to intervene quickly and effectively. The AED’s automated features make it user-friendly, enabling even those with limited experience to provide immediate assistance while more advanced medical care is being prepared. This device is essential in any emergency care setting where immediate defibrillation can be the difference between life and death.